Technology

When you run a small business, you’re pulled in several directions every day. If the demands on your time feel overwhelming, take heart: There are thousands of productivity apps out there that can help you do everything from keep a neat to-do list to delegate tasks to employees and stay on top of your business …

When I graduated from college in 2002, smartphones were just beginning to become popular. There were several different types floating around out there, most with LCD screens that enabled you to check your email and send text messages, both of which were beyond the capacity of the “dumb” phones at the time. I immediately got …

If the low yields on savings accounts at your brick-and-mortar bank have you searching for other options, you’ll be pleased to know there are still plenty of high-interest savings accounts online. While the interest from your savings won’t be funding your retirement, it can still add up, particularly on higher balances. The Simple Dollar has …

If you’ve ever wasted your breath on the phrase, “The check is in the mail,” now’s the time to stop: Several apps allow you to make simple mobile payments instead. These apps streamline the mobile payment process, often requiring only the email address or mobile phone number of the recipient. They may also be the …

Back in my “big spending” days, one of the most powerful ideas that constantly ran through my head was the idea that if someone else had something that I coveted, they were somehow the “winner” and I was somehow the “loser,” and the only way I could also be a winner was to try to …

Are you tired of the mountains of clutter around your home? Are you overwhelmed by your own “stuff?” Do you have so many belongings that you have to rent a storage unit to house them all? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you’re not alone. According to a recent survey by the National Association …

As traditional banks struggle with customer frustration over hidden fees and insultingly low interest rates, Ally Bank has positioned itself as the antidote to these problems. By and large, it has succeeded, becoming one of the best all-around options for online banking today and The Simple Dollar’s pick for the best all-around savings account for …

It’s next to impossible to use the Internet without leaving a digital footprint of some kind, but private browsing can offer you some protection from prying eyes. Private-browsing capabilities are built into the Internet browsers you use everyday, though sometimes they go by different names — for instance, Google Chrome has Incognito, and Internet Explorer …

Earlier this year, I began writing a series chronicling my decision to roll over my old 401(k) into a new IRA with an automated investment advisor such as Personal Capital, Betterment, or Wealthfront. Since my old account was worth more than $85,000 at the time, this decision wasn’t one I took lightly. In fact, I spent …

Last Christmas, I got my six-year old daughter a Kindle Fire for Christmas. It was to be her “big gift” of the year, and I thought it would be great for long car rides and fun, educational games. I expected her to love it, which she did, but there was one thing I didn’t expect – …

Shopping for electronics and appliances is quite an undertaking. For starters, they can be incredibly expensive. And with so many competing companies and similar models, it’s hard to ever be sure that you’re making the right purchase. Best Buy, one of the leading consumer electronics companies in the United States, prides itself on being a …

Over 190 million people in the United States use online shopping sites, and that number is expected to grow exponentially over the next decade. The total value of the global e-commerce economy is expected to grow to $1.5 trillion in 2015 as online shopping becomes more commonplace and businesses adapt their marketing efforts to capture more …

In the world of personal finance, it’s not very often that you hear “credit card” and “budget” used in the same sentence. Still, I have to be honest here. As a credit card rewards enthusiast and zero-sum budget expert, people are constantly asking me how I reconcile those two opposite areas of interest. My answer? …

The best home security systems have a proven track record in protecting homes and their valuable contents. Unfortunately, many people don’t address home security until it’s too late — after they’ve already had a break-in. According to the FBI, just under 2 million burglaries were reported in 2013, resulting in roughly $4.5 billion in losses. Homes with alarm …

The best free cloud storage providers give you a place to park your data without opening your wallet. In fact, opening a free cloud storage account can be a great way to get used to the idea of storing files online. If you’re unfamiliar with cloud storage, the concept is simple: Instead of eating up …

For me, every day is filled with personal and professional tasks that require the use of a computer and/or a smartphone. I have articles to write. I have emails to send. I have research to do. I have a book draft to work on. I have images to edit. I have videos to edit. I …

As I explained in a few previous posts, I am on a quest to roll over my old 401(k) into a new account with better long-term benefits. I got sidetracked a bit on this series, but today I’m going to review online financial advisor Personal Capital. If there’s one thing I learned from trading the …

Whether you’re an established small business or have started a blog or other website that’s gaining popularity, the best web hosting company will help you project a professional image and handle increased traffic. The best website hosting companies will also give you enough space and bandwidth for your needs, a range of customizable features, and …

Planning a vacation can be overwhelming if you don’t know exactly where you want to go. After all, the world is a big place with an infinite amount of beauty and culture to explore. When you can basically go anywhere, whittling down your choices can become an arduous task. Fortunately, the Internet has more than …

Books worth budgeting for

My new book, The Simple Dollar: How One Man Wiped Out His Debts and Achieved the Life of His Dreams, is available in bookstores now. Check out some of the life-changing experiences the book has given readers!

Check out my book, 365 Ways to Live Cheap, available in bookstores everywhere! It's filled with 365 great tactics you can apply to your personal finances, from frugal tips to great ideas for managing your money.